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Michelle Yvette Lares, better known as Shelly Lares, had to grow up fast. She started her musical career at age 10. But that early experience has turned this San Antonio native into one of Tejano's most professional and excellent performers.

"Touring is a part of my life, so I'm pretty used to it," she says. "I haven't known anything different."So for the last two decades, she has been able to handle all the challenges of a music career, while keeping fans happy with her upbeat, feel-good Tejano music and her friendly nature.

Shelly's trademark raspy voice makes her instantly recognizable. Not only is her voice one-of -a-kind, her music also avoids easy categorization. "We really don't concentrate on what other bands are doing musically," she says. "We try to keep our own fresh ideas and pay attention to what the fans write on the website and want from us. They keep us on our toes and we pay attention to their reactions at our shows."

Shelly gained the moniker "Little Miss Dynamite" early in her career and it stuck - she's still petite (even more so now since losing over 42 pounds in the last 3 years) but full of energy (both on stage and off, where she hits the gym regularly).

The winner of eight Tejano Music Awards, including 2006 Female Vocalist and Female Entertainer of the Year, Shelly has worked hard to keep the rhythm of Tejano music going strong. She believes in Tejano, and is a wonderful ambassador for the music. "I've seen its up and downs, but I still think there's a lot of potential for Tejano music," she say. "I believe so much in it, that I want to help keep it around.